Daniel M. Swaffar Jr. 1929-2025

Daniel was born May 12, 1929, in Chillicothe, Missouri, a son of Daniel M. Sr. and Gladys Hopkins Swaffar, but grew up in Oklahoma and Oregon.

He was a graduate of the University of Oregon.

He and his wife, Diane, met in Cleveland, where they had both started new jobs. They owned and operated two independent pharmacies, before Dan devoted his time to fully supporting Diane’s return to further her education and attain her Doctorate in Pharmacology.

In his early years, Dan worked for NCR, Automatic Data Processing and Structural Dynamics Corporation. He became a private business owner for the remainder of his career.

He attended St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Vienna.

Daniel was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War and was discharged as First Lieutenant. He flew 26 combat missions in Korea in the F 84 Fighter Bomber. After Korea, he returned to Texas and trained as an instructor pilot, and then taught jet flying to international students at Del Rio, Texas.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling, reading, early morning crossword puzzles and Scrabble.

Daniel will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his family: his beloved wife, the former Diane S. Shomin, whom he married Sept. 13, 1978; his sons, Keith (Colleen) Swaffar of Riverview, Michigan, Todd (Cindy) Swaffar of West Farmington, Scott (Carol) Swaffar of Fishers, Indiana, and Mark (Lisa) Swaffar of Roanoke, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Colette (Mike) Serpetti, Kenny (Susan) Swaffar, Mary (Gary) Hill, Dr. Caitlan Pinotti (Logan), Daniel (Bailey) Swaffar, Ryan (Lyndsey) Swaffar, Kyle Swaffar and Tyler (Kristin) Swaffar; and nine great-grandchildren, Eli, Bennett, Carly, Cassie, Kazimierz, Thaddeus, Elise, Madelyn and Charles. He is also survived by a niece, Julia and nephew, Ted; a special friend, Erica Ezzo; and many other extended family and friends.

Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Ann Erickson; nephew, Tobin Erickson; and great-nephew, Tyler Erickson.

There will be services held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, with calling hours prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Kyle Funeral Homes, Vienna Chapel, 4471 Warren-Sharon Road, Vienna, OH 44473.

Daniel will be laid to rest in Economy Cemetery in Ambridge, Pa.

Special thanks to Southern Care Hospice, especially nurse Robin.

Memorial contributions may be made in Daniel’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio, Chapter 23215, Commerce Park Suite 300, Beachwood, OH 44122, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home’s website at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.

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